Although I grew up in the horse business and the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby is this weekend, this story is not about horses. While “down the stretch they come” is a famous call in horse racing, I always refer to “the stretch” as September and October in my flower gardens.
Some of my flowers which were picture-perfect in the spring, are now struggling in these Dog Days of summer. Occasional pop-up thundershowers have been a blessing! Even when I water from the hose, sometimes daily, nothing beats what God sends from Heaven. Sometimes, when there is no lightening, I stand out in the rain for refreshing relief.
As I sit at my patio table this day, I am updating my gardening journal. I have kept tabs on what I plant for many years. While I will talk more about that later, for now, I will say that tracking progress from the beginning of planting season through the final stretch saves time and money in the long run. It’s kind of like investing in a race horse, you go with the proven winners!
I have two large patios on the west side of my house with seven large stepping stones between them. Sliding glass doors lead out to each, one just off my kitchen, the other is outside of my living room. The view includes about 45 large containers filled with thrillers, fillers, spillers and a good many climbers. I can also see my backyard flower beds. The beds and containers feature bird baths, feeders, cherub statues, and wind chimes. This setting brings me peace and inspires me to write. Do you have a “happy place” in your yard? I would love to hear about it and see pictures. Please email me at [email protected] or comment through our Facebook link.
As summer winds down, I’m taking notes about what is winning as we come down the stretch. The plants that “beat the heat” include Angelonia, Ivy Leaf Geraniums, New Guinea impatiens, Scaveola, Purslane, and Torenia. They are all champs! Butterflies and hummingbirds are still flocking to my lantana and butterfly weed. The hibiscus continues to bloom prolifically and will march on until the first frost.
It’s the home stretch and I’m hoping to prolong the beauty of what remains behind as long as possible. How about you? How is your garden growing in these last days of the season? Let us know.
“Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, glory in the flower. We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind.” William Wordsworth
